This Phase II program achieves high accuracy internal grinding of small precision components using an ultra-high accuracy and ultra-high speed hydrostatic spindle with high frequency axial oscillations of the rotating shaft. This is especially valuable when high volume production is combined with high accuracy requirements and when difficult to grind materials are used. This approach is the only way to meet extremely demanding tolerance requirements for internal grinding when the ground parts are made from materials where both conventional grinding and diamond turning cannot be effectively applied. Such materials (titanium alloys, stainless steel alloys, aluminum alloys, etc) are commonly used in a wide variety of military applications. In addition, the technology is directly applicable to high volume commercial applications such as fuel injectors for gas and diesel engines, precision ball bearings manufacturing, and computers hard discs production. Under the program a prototype of the hydrostatic spindle with high frequency axial oscillation will be produced and extensively characterized. Statistical grinding trials will be performed on several target materials and grinding performance and productivity will be measured. In parallel, ELKA and an industrial machining equipment partner will actively market the technology to several target customers with very high potential interest and demand.
Keywords: Hydrostatic Spindle, Internal Grinding, High Precision, High Speed, Axial Oscillations, Surface Finish, Material Removal Rate, Service Life
